Over paid, over sexed and over here, US Marines in Wartime Victoria.

Are you old enough to remember when Victoria was deluged by American Marines on a rest break after bloody battles in the Pacific?

The arrival of American serviceman transformed lives for many people in Victoria. Families across the state helped by billeting some of the 15, 000 soldiers during their nine month stay.

However, there was tension during the time, some people loved them and others did not. Relationships between Victorian women and the Marines put strain on the community especially from Australian servicemen. In February 1943 mounted police had to intervene in the 'Battle of Melbourne' a street brawl between US Marines and men of the AIF 9th Division.

Professor Kate Darian-Smith is co-curator of the Ballarat exhibition Over Paid, Over Sexed and Over Here; US Marines in Wartime Victoria 1943 and a Professor of Australian Studies and History at the Australian Centre, School of Historical Studies at The University of Melbourne.

Professor Darian-Smith told ABC Radio, Statewide Drive Victoria that the Marines came to Australia to rest after fighting in the battle of Guadalcanal and many were very unwell with fatigue and malaria. They were welcomed and looked after by Australian civilians and formed lifelong friendships. The women loved their Hollywood accents and shiny uniforms and many listeners called to share their childhood memories of that time.